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LO3: What is the effect of trauma and PTSD on memory? (Ehlers & Clarke…
LO3: What is the effect of trauma and PTSD on memory?
Ehlers & Clarke (2000)
PTSD - a disorder in which the problem is a memory for an event that has already happened, occurs when individuals process the event in such a way it produces a sense of threat
Explanations for memory disturbance
Re-experiencing is typically by sensory impression rather than thoughts. Sensory impressions are experienced 'right now' rather than in the past. Emotions are the same as they were when the traumatic event was first experienced
Physiological sensations/emotions associated with the event may occur without even having any recollection of the event
PTSD sufferers recall is biased, they selectively retrieve info
Disorganised AM will make cue-driven recollections more likely
Brewin & Holmes (2003)
Changes in memory functioning in PTSD sufferers have also been identified as present in depressed patients
Memory disorganisation in PTSD sufferers may be due to difficulty retrieving clear images of the truamatic moment
Contradictory pattern of recall in PTSD sufferers
PTSD sufferers may relive their experiences via flashbacks
This may lead to the sufferer to believe the events are happening in the present time and not in the past
Unlike regular AM - flashbacks include sensory detail such as vivid images, sounds and other sensations. These may be disjointed and fragmentary
Bernsten, Willert and Rubin (2003)
181 students answered questionnaire on PTSD. 25 reported traumas that matched PTSD symptoms, 88 reported trauma but no PTSD symptoms
Those with PTSD symptoms reported vivid recollection of emotions and sensory impressions
They reported from the 'observer' perspective
More intrusive memories, became more introverted because of the trauma, had a negative impact on their lives